MONTGOMERY – School districts dealing with recent tornado damage will now have more flexibility in completing required school days, after a bill that quickly cleared both houses of the Alabama Legislature was signed into law by Governor Bentley today.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Arthur (R-Decatur) and Representative Ed Henry (R-Hartselle), allows local school systems to make up missed school days by adjusting the number of instructional hours in a day and authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to excuse days for schools in extraordinary circumstances.

Representative Henry said more flexibility has long been needed, but the unprecedented disaster that befell Alabama in last week’s tornado outbreaks left many schools in a difficult predicament.

“At least 18 schools throughout the state were damaged or destroyed by severe weather last week, and some communities are still without power,” Representative Henry said. “I’m pleased that we could get this bill through in short order and sent to the Governor’s desk so that our local school leaders know the state will support them as we recover from this disaster.”

House Speaker Mike Hubbard commended Representative Henry for leading the charge on such a timely issue.

“The House is blessed to have leaders like Representative Ed Henry who listen to the needs of the people and respond quickly with effective solutions,” Speaker Hubbard said. “The Legislative Leadership will continue to provide affected areas the support they need to get through this difficult time.”